VW Passat B7 2.0 TDI, 170 PS, 6-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive (2010–2013)

Research for this car

• Generation guide VW Passat B7 (2010-2014): known problems and buying guide

  Buy a B7 with a full service history and proof of gearbox oil changes, and skip a 1.8 TSI that burns oil or a DSG that shudders.

• Engine guide VW 1.6 and 2.0 TDI (EA189) diesel engines: problems, costs and what to check

  Recall work, EGR and DPF faults and injector repairs are common. Buy with recall proof, a belt invoice and a clean fault memory.

• Engine guide VW pump-injector TDI (1.4, 1.9, 2.0 PD and 2.5 R5): problems, costs and what to check

  Oil pump drive, rod bearing, head crack and cam faults are reported. Buy only with oil records and proof of the pump and head work.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. On a wet DSG, ask for invoices showing oil changes every 45,000-60,000 km. Drive slowly in traffic and from rest. A scanner should read the gearbox fault memory.
2. Check the front suspension for knocks over speed bumps. Look for leaking dampers and worn front tyres. Wishbone bushes and drop links are the usual worn parts.
3. On a 4MOTION car, ask for proof of Haldex oil and filter changes. Test the car on a loose surface and watch for front wheel spin.
4. Check the tailgate outer edge, the number plate surround on a Variant, the wheel arches and the sunroof for paint bubbles or rust stains.
5. Apply and release the electric parking brake several times, including on a slope. A slow release or warning light is a fault.
6. Ask a VW dealer to check the VIN for open recalls, in particular the 23R7 software update on a diesel. Bad result: an open campaign.

From the engine guide

1. Recall paperwork (no scanner). Ask the dealer for a record of the software update, and of the flow straightener on a 1.6. Bad: no record.
2. Fault memory (needs a scanner). Bad: EGR codes P0401 or P0402, turbo codes P2563 or P2564, or DPF codes such as P2002.
3. Test drive. Bad: judder, lost power or limp mode.
4. Injectors (no scanner). Ask whether the injectors were replaced or revised. Bad: rough running with no injector work on record.
5. Swirl flaps (needs a scanner). Bad: limp mode on a 2.0 TDI.
6. DPF (no scanner). Ask how the car was driven and whether the filter was cleaned. Bad: a DPF warning lamp, or short trips only.
7. Coolant (engine cold). Check the level and look for an exhaust smell in the cabin. Bad: any coolant loss. The EGR cooler is a common cause.
8. Timing belt invoice. Bad: no dated invoice for the belt, tensioner and water pump, or past 210,000 km or 5 years with no change.
9. Turbo (needs a scanner). On a 2.0 TDI past about 150,000 km. Bad: boost codes or oil leaks at the turbo.
10. Flywheel (manual only). Drive in 2nd gear at about 1,400 rpm. Bad: a rattle.

From the engine guide

1. Oil pump drive (no scanner). Ask for proof that the oil pump drive or the balance-shaft module was replaced or checked. Bad: no record on a 2005 to 2009 car.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions